Balloon releases add to litter that ends up on beaches, and at worst being ingested by wildlife. Sky lanterns pose a risk to aviation, of starting fire, and of being ingested by animals when they land. As a regular beach cleaner, I find that balloon strings, balloons and their plugs are a common feature in the litter. 

Balloons and lanterns may be fun for a moment, but the risks to other species are long-lived and unnecessary. There are many other, more considerate and wildlife friendly ways of making an impact, remembering a loved one or advertising an event. Ideas here

Torbay is not currently on the growing list of areas that have banned this form of littering - yet it is particularly important here as there is a Marine Protected area all along Torbay's coast - this needs protecting by changing habits on land as well as in the water. Cornwall CC have already recognised this and banned both types of release. Please help marine wildlife by letting Torbay Council know that you support a ban on balloon and lantern releases - sign this petition!

Words from the Marine Conservation Society website... link here

"When balloons and sky lanterns (sometimes known as Chinese lanterns) are released, they don’t just simply disappear. They float back down to earth, either whole or in pieces, adding to existing litter. Balloons  and sky lanterns are particularly dangerous pieces of litter. Balloons are mistaken for food by many species of wildlife, particularly turtles.

Once balloons have been eaten they can block digestive systems and cause animals to starve. The string on balloons can also entangle and trap animals.

If pieces of balloon were to be dropped directly on the ground you could be fined for littering, but because they are let go - not dropped - they are not classed as litter under current legislation, despite the fact that what goes up comes back down! This is something we want to see changed."